PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I
t is with great pleasure and pride that I write my first message as your new President. It is a privilege, not only to volunteer as a board member of this terrific association but to be the President. It has been a rich and rewarding experience thus far, and I will work hard to do right by those that have led this association before me. On January 18th we hosted our AGM via Zoom. Al Schwemler concluded his term as OGSA president, and is now our immediate Past President. Thank you, Al, for the past six years of service to our association, your involvement has been vital to its current Ryan L. Scott, status. I would also like to thank Mike Pellerin MS, AGS for his OGSA President. service and dedication to the association over the past 5 years. I would like to welcome our newest Board of Director’s, Paul Snider of Blue Mountain G&CC and Brad Hutchison from Warkworth GC. These two gentlemen are bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience with them, and I am looking forward to working with them both. The past couple of years have been very trying for everyone, and it has certainly been challenging for the Board of Directors and the OGSA staff as we have had to make many difficult decisions and adjustments. The word “pivot” has been used ad nauseum and every time I hear it, all I see in my mind is Ross, Chandler, and Rachel trying to carry a sofa up a flight of stairs. We thank you for your patience and professionalism as we transition into our new normal. I would like to recognize Courtney White, our Executive Manager, and the exceptional job she did this year in her inaugural year managing and modernizing our association; the future is bright, and we are in good hands with Courtney leading the way. On December 22nd, 2021, the CGSA/OGSA announced the joint conference, originally set to be held in person at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Toronto, was going to transition to a virtual platform. This decision was not an easy one to make but after much discussion with the conference committee members and with the health and safety of all our association members and delegates in mind, we felt a virtual conference was the most responsible and wisest alternative. I hope that everyone that attended the Joint CGSA/OGSA conference at Get your the beginning of March, enjoyed the education that was provided, and took recertification credits home some knowledge you will be able to apply moving forward. I want to ON-LINE with acknowledge the support of our sponsors, John Deere Canada, Syngenta Canada, Bayer Environmental Science, Target Specialty Products/QualiPro, Mobilicab, Now offering Brett Young, Toro (Turf Care Canada), Rain Bird and Pumps Plus and all of the suppliers who participated in the virtual tradeshow. Thank you. I for one, am really looking forward to seeing the many faces Visit: of our association in person over the course of the year as we are planning some new www.pdsolutions.ca initiatives and events for all to enjoy, stay tuned. or call Wishing you all a healthy spring and a 1-877-977-6774 successful 2022 growing season. ■
Editor Courtney White manager@ogsa.ca Publisher Diane Davey diane@blenheim.ca Advertising & Administrative Manager Diane Davey diane@blenheim.ca Tel: 289-337-4305 Production & Design Patrick Kilborn patrick@blenheim.ca
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Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Guelph Turfgrass Institute G.M. Frost Building, University of Guelph 364 College Ave E. Guelph ON, N1G 3B9 Tel: 519-767-3341 Toll Free: 877-824-6472 Email: admin@ogsa.ca www.ogsa.ca
Published by Blenheim INK Administration Office: 503-5340 Lakeshore Road Burlington, ON L7L 7A8 www.blenheim.ca MARCH 2022 | ONCourse 3
